ENGLISH
REFERENCE

stereo

n. · adj.
US //ˈstɛɹiˌoʊ// UK //stˈɛɹɪˌəʊ// stereo
  1. 1 audio equipment (n.)
    A2 Elementary Music

    a machine or system used to play music or radio through two or more speakers.

    an electronic system for reproducing sound using two or more independent audio channels to create a sense of spatial distribution.

    Example

    He turned up the volume on the stereo so he could hear the music in the kitchen.

    Example

    The living room was dominated by a vintage stereo system, complete with floor-standing speakers and a high-end turntable.

    Usage

    Often used with 'on' to describe playing music.
    • hi fi
    • sound system
    • audio system
  2. 2 spatial sound (n.)
    B1 Intermediate Music

    sound that is recorded and played through two channels to make it feel more real.

    the method or effect of sound reproduction that creates a three-dimensional auditory field.

    Example

    The movie sounds much better when you listen to it in stereo.

    Example

    Early recordings were often remastered into stereo to provide a more immersive experience for modern listeners.

    Usage

    Commonly used in the phrase 'in stereo'.
    • stereophony
  3. 3 recorded in two channels (adj.)
    B1 Intermediate Music

    describing sound or equipment that uses two channels.

    relating to or used in the reproduction of sound through two or more separate channels.

    Example

    She bought a new pair of stereo speakers for her computer.

    Example

    The broadcast was available in both mono and stereo formats to accommodate different receiving equipment.
    • stereophonic
  4. 4 3D images (adj.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Science

    describing a pair of images that look three-dimensional when you view them together.

    relating to a pair of images that, when viewed through a special device, combine to create an effect of depth.

    Example

    The scientists used stereo images to map the surface of the planet.

    Example

    By comparing stereo pairs of aerial photographs, the geologists were able to calculate the exact height of the mountain ridges.
    • stereoscopic
    • 3D
Origin

A shortened form of stereotype, stereoscope or stereophonic, all originally derived, via stereo-, from Ancient Greek στερεός (stereós, “solid”).

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Last updated June 20, 2026